Fluid treating apparatus



Oct. 9, 1951 c. T. MCGILL ETAL 2,570,258

FLUID TREATING APPARATUS Filed June 16, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 5 2/1 fizz/6212152";

MGLZZ,

Barr cznaem Oct. 1951 c. T. MGGILL ET AL 2,570,258

FLUID TREATING APPARATUS Filed Jun 16, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS,

Ckesrf ycd, BY ffzzryjfanse Oct. 9, 1951 c, McGlLL ETAL 2,570,258

FLUID TREATING APPARATUS Filed June 16, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet :5

' INVENTOR5.

CZzesZerf/Ycll BY Ha wry/fame),

9, 1951 c. T. MCGILL ET AL 2,570,258

FLUID TREATING APPARATUS Filed June 16, 19 45 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR5.

1951 c. T. MCGILL ET-AL 2,570,258

FLUID TREATING APPARATUS Filed June 16, 1945 r 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 151 i INVENTORS.

Och 1951 c. T. M GILL ETAL 2,570,258

FLUID TREATING APPARATUS Filed June 16, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 ////ziii llllllii 122 liiii Z3 E A x \A 14 9 IN V EN TORS.

Oct- 9, 1951 c. T. M GILL ET AL FLUID TREATING APPARATUS 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed June 16, 1945 I INVENTORS. 0286 T6 717% 622i. flaryjyanaaw 3 regeneration thereof and without involving any hazards from the point of view of sanitation.

(4) To provide a portable regenerating apparatus which is adapted to take care of the complete regeneration of any one of a plurality of softeners automatically when once properly connected therewith, so that the operator or service man handling the servicing of a number of softeners is free to attend to the regeneration of another or other softeners with another or other portable regenerating apparatuses while the first mentioned softener is being regenerated.

To provide a portable regenerating apparatus of the kind mentioned, inwhich the rate at which brine is delivered to the softener may be easily controlled and the concentration of the brine or other regenerating fluid is also positively controlled.

(6) To provide a novel regenerating apparatus operating on a difierent principle than previous apparatuses and applicable to ion exchanging generally and also to water conditioning generally, as, for'example, for removal of taste, odor, iron, and so forth, in accordance with which the brine or other reconditioning fluid is arranged to 2:

be delivered to the bed of Water softening or other water conditioning material at positively controlled concentration for most efiective regeneration or reconditioning thereof.

('7) To provide a softener in which the brine, in accordance with the mode of operation just mentioned, is arranged to be drawn into the softener from the brine tank by the suction created in'the drainage of water from the softener, thus eliminating the necessity for an ejector and avoiding the objectionable dilution of the brine, and at the same time obtaining a further advantagefrom the standpoint that the amount of brine delivered may be accurately predetermined by merely adjusting the elevation of a drain trap with respect to the brine tank, and

(8) To provide as part of a portable regenerating" apparatus of the character described a novel control valve, the superstructure of which is de tachably mounted on the base structure, the base structure being permanently aifixed to and forming a part of a softener to be regenerated, and there being a plurality'of such base structures of identical construction on a plurality of such softeners for cooperation interchangeably with the single superstructureand there being, in addition, a removable cover-plate afiixed to the top 'of each of the base structures, which when renected'to the softener for regeneration thereof;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged vertical section mainly through the upper end portion of the softener, showing the valve mechanism in the normal operating position for water softenin Figs. 4 and 5 are sectional details on the correspondingly numbered lines of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is a vertical section through the upper portion of the softener, showing the multiport valve mechanism superimposed on the other valve mechanism, as in Fig. 2, for the regeneration of the softener;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of the multiport valve, indicating by legends on the cover of the body the four different valve positions;

Figs. 8 to 11 .are horizontal, sections on the line 88 of Fig. 6 through the stem plate in the four positions indicated by the captions, namely, Service, Wash, Salt, and fRinse;

Figs. 12, 13 and 14 are horizontal sections on the correspondingly numbered lines of Fig. 6, Fig. 14 being also taken on the line I4I4 of Figs. 3 and 15;

Fig. 15 is a vertical section on the broken line I5l5 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 16 is a horizontal section on the lines iii-l6 of Figs. 6 and 15;

Fig. 17 is a side View on a larger scale of the drain trap forming a part of the regenerating apparatus shown in Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 18 is a side view of' an automatic valve operating mechanism adapted for use with the multiport valve mechanism shown in Figs. 6 to 16;

Fig. 19 illustrates the Geneva gear for turning the stem plate of the multiport valve, as shown in Fig. 17 and Fig. 20 is a section on the line 20-20 of Fig. 18.

Similar reference numerals are applied to corresponding parts throughout the views.

Referring first to Figs. 1 and 2, the softener illustrated comprises a tank having a bottom 26, in which a small central opening is provided, closed by a screw plug 21. The top 28 of the tank has a larger central opening in which a ring-shaped fitting 29 is welded. A fixed valve body 36, which constitutes the base structure of the control valve, is fastened to the fitting 29 by three screws 3|, clamping a gasket 32 therebetween for a water-tight seal. A cover 33 is normally clamped on top of the body compressing a gasket 34 therebetween for a water-tight seal, but this cover 33 is adapted to be removed easily, as will soon appear, to permit mounting on top of the body 30 the superstructure of the control Valve, indicated generally by the reference numeral 35, when the softener is to be regenerated using the portable regenerating apparatus, indicated generally by the reference numeral 36. The control valve superstructure comprises a body 31 having a cover 38 fastened on the top thereof by screws 39 compressing a gasket 40 therebetween for a water-tight seal. The base structure 30 and superstructure 35 together form a complete multiport valve capable of handling the complete regeneration cycle for the softener. The body 31 is movable axially in the bore M of an adapter fitting 42 which rests on the gasket 34 and makes a water-tight connection ontop of the valve body 38 after the cover 33 has been removed for application of the control valve superstructure. Meanwhile the softener is still in service, as will soon appear, the valve body 33 being shutoff from communication-with the multiport valve body 3! until the latter is given a predetermined axial movement by oscillatory movement of manually operated lever means 43. Thereafter the raw water, which is delivered through a supply pipe 44, instead of being conducted directly through the fixed valve body 30 into the head space in the tank 25 for passage downwardly through the bed 45 of base exchange material for softening and then upwardly through the outlet pipe 46*and again through the fixed valve body 33 for discharge of the softened Water to the service system through the pipe 41, is conducted through the multiport valve 35 in whatever directions are determined by the setting of the stem plate 48, the latter being rotatably adjustable by means of the lever 49. The multiport valve may be set in either one of four positions-Service,'Wash; Salt, and Rinse-as indicated by the captions 53 on the top of the cover 38 in Fig.7. Generally speaking, the flow of water in the service position of the multiport valve corresponds to the flow prior to the application of the multiport valve, when the cover 33 is still applied .to the fixed valve body 30, as in Fig. 1. However, when the stem plate 48 of the multiport valve 35 is shifted by means of the lever 49 to the Wash position, the incoming raw water from the pipe 44 is conducted downwardly through the pipe 46 for flow upwardly through the bed 45, so as to break up the bed and rinse out the accumulated scum or sediment deposited on the top of the bed during the softening operation, the waste water being conducted through the flexible hose connection 51' to the vertical pipe 52 on the regenerating apparatus 33 and thence through another flexible hose 53 to the sewer. In the Salt position of the stem plate 48 of the multiport valve 35, brine is conducted from the brine tank 54 forming a part of the portable regenerating apparatus 36, through a pipe 55 in said tank, and through a flexible hose connection 55 for passage through the bed 45 of base exchange material to regenerate the same,

the spent brine being thereafter conducted through the flexible hose connection 5| and pipe 52 and flexible hose 53 to the sewer. After a predetermined amount of brine has been passed through the bed, the stem plate 48 of the multiport valve 35 is shifted to the Rinse position and rinse water is allowed to flow through the bed to rinse out the brine, the waste water being conducted from the softener through the flexible hose connection 51, pipe 52, and flexible hose 53 to z, the sewer, similarly as in the case of the spent brine. Then, after a predetermined amount of rinse water has been passed through the bed,

the stem plate 48 of the multiport valve 35 is shifted back to the Service position and the normal flow first outlined is resumed, the softened water being conducted to the service system from the softener through the pipe 41. The lever 43 may now be swung back to its initial position,

disconnecting the multiport valve 35 from the fixed valve body 35 in so far as the flow of Water j from one to the other is concerned, and then the -multiport valve 35 along with the adapter fitting 42' may be removed and the cover 33 replaced.

While, of course, the primary object of the in- 'vention is to provide a portable regenerating apparatus detachably connectible with the softener,

so as to permit use of the one regenerating apparatus 36 with any one of a plurality of softeners, "like that shown at 25, it will be obvious from the foregoing description that the regenerating apparatus may be used permanently, or at least ini so little reliance must be placed upon the-carefulness and cleanliness of the operator or service man for sanitation. Furthermore, it should be evident from this much description that very little labor is involved in effecting regeneration of the softener with our improved portable regenerating apparatus, inasmuch as the unit 36 has handles 57 on opposite sidesof the tank 54 by means of which the same may be easily lifted and carried to whatever small extent is necessary, the unit being otherwise arranged to be rolled on the casters 58 provided on the lower ends of the supporting legs 59 of the tank, these casters being, of course, adapted to swivel in the well known way to facilitate making turns and changing the direction of movement at will. A shelf 60 supported on the three legs 59 under the tank 54 serves as a convenient support for the multiport valve 35, as shown in Fig. 1, any suitable means being provided for securely fastening the valve 35 in place on the flat seat 5i provided therefor on the shelf 60, to reduce likelihood of contamination of the bottom face of the valve adapter fitting 42 so long as thevalve 35 is so situated. hose connections 5! and 55 are long enough to reach from the regenerating apparatus 36 to the top of the softener 25 conveniently, and also to reach from the top of the tank 54 to the shelf 59, so that the valve 35 may be conveniently placed on the shelf 55 in'the manner stated. The handles 51 have elbow-shaped portions 62 thereon next to the tank 54 to serve as convenient supports on which the coiled hose 53 may be supported, a clip 53 being provided on the free end of the hose to attach said end to the next adjacent coil of the hose when the hose is coiled around the tank, as shown in Fig. l. The tank 54 will contain a suitable amount of brine solution, at least enough to take care of the regeneration of one softener. The tank has a two-piece cover, one portion 54 of which is tightly secured to the tank and the other portion 65 of which is p-ivotally connected to the fixed portion by hinges to the lower end of the pipe 52 and has the flexible hose 53 extending therefrom has a bearing portion H slidable vertically on the rod 68 and arranged to be clamped in vertically adjusted position by means of a set screw 72. The trap 15 is shown in its lowermost position in Figs. 1 and 2 resting on the shelf 63. The pipe 52 is slidable vertically in a hole in the lug 69 to permit vertical adjustment of the trap Hi as desired. It should be obvious that we may omit the pipe 52 and have the hose 5! connected directly to the trap 13. This hose 5! would then be slidable in the hole in lug 59and, being fiexible, would not project upwardly to the extent that the pipe 52 does when the trap 70 is adjusted upwards. This trap adjustment is for the purpose hereinafter described.

Referring now to Figs. 3, i, 6 and 15 for a better understanding of the construction of the fixed valve body 30 and the paths taken by the hard water and softened water during normal softening operation, it will be seen that in addition to the pipe 45, which extends downwardly from the fixed valve body 35 to the bottom of the tank, there is a shorter and smaller pipe 1'3, which, as

' clearly indicated inF'ig. 1, is of such lengththat 'each of said four compartments.

its lower end is appreciably below the top of the bed 45. A strainer I4 is provided on the lower end of the pipe I3, and another type of strainer I5 is provided on the lower end of the pipe 46, the latter strainer resting on top of the plug 21, as indicated in Fig. 1. The pipe 49, being olfcenter relative to the valve body 39, is adapted to be connected with the valve body by compression of a gasket, as hereinafter described. However, it should be clear that we may locate the pipe 46 on center relative to the body 39, so that a threaded connection could be made. Thus, the pipe 45 has a ring '76 welded, or otherwise suitably secured, thereon near the upper end thereof, and this end of the pipe is adaptedto be entered in an off-center hole IT in the bottom of the valve body 39, while the ring I6 enters a counterbore I8 and compresses a gasket 79in the counterbore above it to seal the connection between the pipe 49 and the valve body 39 so that a threaded connection at this point is unnecessary. It will be remembered that the lower end of the pipe 46 is supported by engagement of the strainer I5 on top of the plug 2?, so that the gasket I9 may be compressed in the manner stated. There are three other smaller holes in the bottom of the fixed'valve body 39, the pipe I3 being open, the pressure of the springs 85 being light enough to permit such opening and there is substantially no restriction to flow. A ball check valve 86 is inserted through the hole 99 before the pipe I3 is screwed in, and this ball is large enough to close the upper end of the pipe I3 and serve as a check valve, as indicated in Fig. 6. A lug 8'! above the ball and two other lugs 89 provided on opposite sides of the ball serve to keep the ball caged in operative relationship to the upper end of the pipe I3 when the flow is upwardly through said pipe. The hole I! into which the pipe 49 is entered communicates with the chamber 89 in the body 39, while holes 89 and 83 with which the pipe l9 and valves BI cooperate communicate with chamber 99 in said body, these two chambers being separated by a vertical partition wall SI and being defined below the horizontal partition wall 92. Now, above the partition wall 92, the body 39 is divided by vertical partition walls into four compartments, which have been numbered clockwise 93 to 99, viewing .these compartments from above. A plate 91 seals the top of these compartments, and a asket 98 is compressed between the body 39 and the plate when the screw 99, that is entered through a center hole in the plate and is threaded into a center hole in the body, is tightened. This plate 9'! has four holes I99 provided therein opening into the four compartments, and there are registering holes in the gasket 98. The partition wall 92 has four holes I9I provided therein, one opening into Between regenerations, the cover 33 acts as a dust and dirt shield for the gaslzet 34 and plate 91 and, being clamped down tightly, prevents-water leakage, in the event the valves I92 tend to leak. The four compartments 93-96 are sealed off from com-- munication with the holes I99, by means of flat disk valves I92 which are urged upwardly into engagement with the gasket 98 by coiled comand 99 are longer, so as to provide valve seats I96 on their upper ends for cooperation with flat disk valves 59?, that are resiliently mounted on the bottoms of the related disk valves I92, bowed leaf springs I99 being provided for such support. While we have shown springs I99, it should be obvious that rubber cushions could be provided if desired. It is, therefore, possible to close off communication between the compartment 95 and chamber 89, as well as between the compartment 96 and the chamber 99, when all four of the valve disks I92 are depressed by push rods I99 projecting downwardly from the body 31 of the multiport valve 35, as shown in Fig. 15 and more fully described hereinafter. However, for the present purpose, it is clear that all four compartments 93-95 are normally sealed oiT from communication with the holes I99 in the plate 91 by means of the disk valves I92, and under those circumstances the compartments 93 and96 are in open communication with chamber 99, and compartments 9,4 and 95 are in open communication with chamber 39. Now, inasmuch as the raw water supply pipe 44 is connected to the fixed valve body 39 in communication with compartment 96, as clearly appears in Fig. 13, and the pipe 41 extending to the service system communicates with compartment 95, as also clearly appears in Fig. 13, it should be clear from the foregoing, by reference to Fig. 3, that the incoming raw water from pipe 94 enters compartment 96 and flows downwardly through the related hole I9I into chamber 99 and thence downwardly through holes 93-, the check valve 86 serving to prevent flow downwardly through pipe I3 but check 'valves BI being adapted to open to permit such flow. The raw water passes downwardly through the bed 45 for softening, and the softened water goes through the strainer I5 on the lower end of the pipe 49, and flows upwardly through the pipe into chamber 89, and thence through the hole I9I leading into compartment 95 and out of said compartment through the pipe 41 to the service sysstem.

The cover plate 33 has diametrically opposed pin projections H9 onto which rotary eccentrics III are adapted to fit, these eccentrics having eccentric holes II2 provided therein to receive the pin projections and being rotatably mounted in bearing holes I13 provided therefor in arms H4 pivoted, as indicated at II5, between the spaced ears H6 projecting from the diametrically opposite sides of the fixed valve body 39. See Fig. 6. The eccentrics II I have outwardly projecting square shank portions 1, by means of which they maybereadily turned with a socket wrench. Thus in the assembling of the cover 33 on top of the softener, the arms I I4 are swung upwardly toward the pins I I9, and the eccentrics i II are turned to positions which will. permit entry of the pins in the holes H2. Then, when both pins have been entered in the holes the eccentrics are turned through approximately ninety degrees (99") to force the cover 33 dowm ama s wardly into water-rtig'ht engagement with the gasket 34. .In that way there is no danger of any water leakage past the disk valves I02.

Referring now to Figs. 6 and 12 to 15, it should, first of all, be clear that when the cover 33, illustrated in Fig. 3, has been removed, the eccentrics I I I in the arms. I I4 are available for clamping the adapter fitting 42 for the multiport valve 35 onto the fixed valve body 30 compressing the gasket 34, as illustrated in Fig. 6. The fitting 42 has pins III) projecting therefrom, which are identical to the pins IIEl on the cover 33, and these pins operate with the eccentrics III in the same manner, so that when thesepins are entered in the eccentrics and the eccentrics are turned by means of their square shanks I H, the fitting 42 carrying the multiport valve 35 is clamped securely on top of the fixed valve body 35) compressing the gasket 34 so as to make a water-tight joint. The body 31 of the multiport valve 35, as previously stated, is movable axially in the bore 4| of the adapter fitting 42, such movement being given the body 31 by oscillation of the hand lever means 43. The latter has its arms attached to eccentrics IIB, which have trunnions II 9 that are concentric with the square operating shanks I23 and rotatable in bearing holes I2I provided therefor in the diametrically opposite sides of the enlarged upper end portion of the body 31, and these eccentrics operate in cars I22 projecting upwardly from the adapter fitting 42, so that when the lever means 43 is swung through an angle of between 90 and 180, the body 31 of the multiport valve 35 is moved downwardly to the extent predetermined by the throw of the eccentrics IIS. Now, that movement is not enough to give rise to any likelihood of interference by the lever 49, but if preferred, two separate wrenches could be provided corresponding to the two arms of the forked lever 43. The movement of the eccentrics H8 is sufiicient for the four push rods I09 previously mentioned to unseat the fourdisk valves 92 and to seat the two disk valves 521 to shutoff the compartments 95 and 96 from communication with the chambers 89 and 93, respectively, and this movement is also sufficient to compress a gasket ring I23 between an annular shoulder 124 in the bore 4i and an annular shoulder I25 on the body 31, so as to make a water-tight sealbetween the body 3'! and the fitting 42. In this downward movement of the body 31, four rubber seal rings I28, which closely surround and project downwardly from the ends of metal tubes I2! entered in holes I 28 in the bottom of the body 3i, are also pressed downwardly on top of the plate 9'! around the holes mil to establish water-tight communication between the four compartments 93-96 in the body 35 and four compartments I29I32 provided in the lower portion of the body 31. There are webs I33 in the upper portions of the compartments l2Sl-l32 in which the upper ends of the push rods Isfl are threaded, as indicated at I34 in Fig. 15, these rods extending centrally through thetubes I21 to unseat the four disk valves m2 and seat the two disk valves Isl,

in the manner indicated in Figs. 6 and 15 when the body El of the multiport valve 35 is moved downwardly in thefitting 42, as described. It should be clear from this portion of the description that the operator. or service man will have no tach the adapter fitting 42 in a leisurely manner before operating the hand lever means 43 to throwythe multiport valve 35 into communication.

10 with the fixed valve body.30 so that the multiport valve thereafter controls the functioning of the softener. The sealing action at I23avoids likelihood of any leakage occurring when the disk valves I02 are unseated and before the rubber seal rings I26 are fully seated.

The multiport valve used may vary as to gen.- eral type and design. The one herein shown is of the well known plate, type. The cover 38, as previously stated, encloses the stem plate 43 and provides a water-tight chamber I above the body 3'1, with which a central port I36 in the body has open communication at all times. There are four other large ports I3'I-I4ll in the top of the body 31, each of which has a metal seat ring MI inserted therein and closely surrounded by a rubber seal ring i 42, the upper ends of which project sufiiciently from the upper ends of the seat rings to provide good water-tight seals by frictional engagement. with the flat bottom face I43 on the stem plate 48, while the seat rings IlII serve as supports for these seal rings I42 and also serve to positively limit the compression of the seal rings by letting the stem plate 48 bottom thereon. There are three other smaller ports I44-I48 provided in the top of the body 31, and these likewise have metal seat rings I ll and rubber seal rings I42 provided in connection therewith, which cooperate with the fiat bottom face I43 on the stem plate in a similar manner. The port I3? communicates with a chamber I47 therebeneath from which the hollow neck i48 extends for connection with the flexible hose 5I. See Figs. 15 and 16. Port I38 communicates with chamber I43 therebeneath, which, in turn, cornmunicates with compartment I39 therebelow.

See Fig. 6. Port I communicateswith chamber I50 therebeneath from which the hollow neck i5I extends for connection with the flexible hose 55. See Figs. 15 and 16. Ports I39 and I45 communicats with chamber I52 therebeneath, which, in turn, communicates with compartment I3I therebelow. The central port I35 communicates through the radially extending cored passage I53 with compartment I32 therebelow. Ports I40 and I44 communicate with a chamber 154 therebeneath, which, in turn, communicates with compartment I23 therebelow. So much for the system of communicating ports and passages in the body 37 of the multiport valve 35.

Turning now to Figs. 6, 8 and 15 for an understanding of the ports and passages in the stem plate 48, it will first be noted that the stem plate in Fig. 8 is shown in the service position in relation to Fig. 12, for example, upon which figure the stem plate of Fig. 8 may be considered as superimposed in tracing the fiow of water during softening. The stem plate 48, as clearly appears in Fig. 6, is held down yieldingly in engagement with the seal rings I42 by means of a coiled compression spring I55, which surrounds the central stem plate is pivotally connected to the projecting upper end of the stem !55, as indicated at I59, and has a screw I53 projecting downwardly therefrom and arranged to fulcrum on top of the cover 38, so that the lever 49, which is arranged to be entered selectively in any one of four notches I6 I provided in the ridge I58 in circum- 1 l ferentially spaced relation adjacent the legends 50, will be locked releasably in any one of these four positions against accidental turning but may when raised slightly, enough to disengage the lever from the notch, be turned to turn the stem plate 48 to whatever position is desired. In such an operation of the lever 49 the hydraulic pressure active against the stem plate is relieved enough by means of the lever so that the stem plate may be turned readily without likelihood of damage to the rubber seal rings I42 with which the flat bottom face I43 of the stem plate will preferably remain in contact.

In operation, assuming that the handle 49 is in the service position, the flow of water is as follows: From the raw water pipe 44 into the compartment I32 of the multiport valve body, and thence through radial passage I53 and central port I36 into the chamber I35 in the cover 38, so that the hydraulic pressure is active against the top of the stem plate 48 tending to kee it seated. From the chamber I35, the raw water flows downwardly through a port I62 in the stem plate and through registering port I40 in the body and chamber I54 into compartment I29, thence through one of the tubes I21 into chamber 90 and down into the top of the softener tank through holes 83, similarly as in the operation previously described. The softened water flows-upwardly through pipe 46, as before, into chamber 89, and thence upwardly through one of the holes IOI into compartment 94 and up through one of the tubes I21 into compartment I and communieating chamber I49, thence through port I38 and port I63 and cored pass-age I64 in the stem plate, and downwardly through port I65 and communicating port I39 into compartment I3I, and thence downwardly through one of the tubes I21 into compartment 95, from which point the softened water is delivered to the service system through pipe 41, as before. It is clear from this description that the flow through the softener is the same as before, but when the multiport valve is superimposed on the softener, the incoming raw water, as well as the outgoing softened water,

is caused to flow through intercommunicating ports and passages in the multiport valve. Obviously, therefore, one might leave the regenerating apparatus permanently or indefinitely connected with the softener 25, inasmuch as the multiport valve is adapted to direct the flow through the softener properly for softening, as well as for the different steps of regeneration. Where the multiport valve is to be used only in the regeneration of the softener, there would, of course, be

i no object in lacing the valve in the "Service position at the commencement of regeneration;

it would hasten matters to have the valve shifted to the Wash position at the time the multiport valve 35 is connected to the softener.

In the Wash position of the valve 35, shown in Fig. 9, the stem plate 48 has been turned through one hundred eighty degrees (180) from the Service position of Fig. 8. In this position,

the incoming raw water from the pipe 44, which,

as previously described, is continuously delivered to the chamber I35 in the cover 38 from the central port I36, flows downwardly through port I62 in the stem plate and through communicating port I38 into chamber I49 and communicating compartment I30, and thence downwardly through one of the tubes I21 into chamber 94, from which point it flows downwardly through pipe 46 into the bottom of the softener tank for passage upwardly through the bed 45. The waste 12 water containing scum and sediment is permitted to flow at a predetermined restricted rate through the strainer 14 and pipe 13 into chamber 90, thereby further diminishing the rate of flow at the higher elevation of the check valves 8 I, which are closed under the action of their springs 85 and permit restricted flow through the slots 84 into the chamber 90, whereby to insure escape of finer particles of scum and sediment without danger of any fine particles of the base exchange material escaping at the same time. The waste water is conducted from chamber 90 through the open hole IOI (the other hole being closed by the disk valve I91) into compartment 93, and thence upwardly through one of the tubes I21 into compartment I29 and communicating chamber I54, 1

and through port I and communicating port I63 in the stem plate and passage I64 down through communicating ports I65 and I31 into chamber I41 and neck I48 through the hose conneetion 5| to the drain. During the Wash'operation, hard water may also be by-passed to the service system through the port I59 in the stem plate and through communicating port I46 in the base to chamber 95 and thence to pipe 41. As will soon be apparent, the ports I13 and I46 could be omitted, if desired, and in such event by-passing of hard water to the service system would occur only in the Rinse position (Fig. 11) Also during this wash operation, it will be noticed that a small port I66 in the stem plate is placed in communication with the small port I in the body 31 of the multiport valve, and that port communicates with the chamber I50 and neck I5I with the hose connection 56, whereby Water may be delivered to the brine tank. This port I66 in the stem plate may be provided of such restricted size in relation to the amount of water required in the brine tank so that the wash operation may be correctly timed by the operator noting the rise in level of the water in the brine tank and shifting the valve to Salt position when a predetermined level is attained. In an automatic softener the same effect can be obtained by means of a float in the brine tank, the

rising of which to a shut-off position starts the,

valve operating motor. After the back-Wash, the handle 49 is turned in a clockwise direction through forty-five degrees (45) to the Salt position, in which position the stem plate is illustrated in Fig. 0. V

During the salt-wash or brining operation, 11- lustrated in Fig. 10, the brine from the tank 54 is adapted to be drawn through the softener 25 by suction created by reason of the low level of the end of the hose 53 with reference to the water in the softener tank 25, with which said hose 53 is placed in communication when the multiport valve is shifted to the Salt position. The vacuum which the drainage of water from the softener tank tends to create in said tank causes the brine to be sucked in from the brine tank, and, of course, this suction can be regulated by changing the position of the drain trap 10 vertically along the rod 63. On the other hand, if it is desired to augment the force of the suction, that may be done by means of a pump or with an ejector connected at any convenient point in the line of flow, the use of ejectors being well known in this art for that purpose. The brine flows through the softener as follows: From the pipe 55 through hose connection 56 and neck I5I into chamber I50, and thence through the small port I45 and communicating port I61 in the stem plate and cored passage I68 to the port I69 and l3 communicating port I40 downwardly to chamber I54 and communicating compartment I29, and through one of the tubes IZ'I into chamber- 93', and thence into chamberfil] and downwardly past the check valves 8I into the top of the tank 25 for passage downwardly through the bed 45 to regenerate the base exchange material. The spent brine is conductedupwardly through pipe 46 into chamber 89 and communicating compartmentfl l, and through the related tube 121 into comparts mentI-fll and communicating chamber I49, and thence through port I38 and communicating ort H in he stem plate and cored passage [TI to the port I12 in-the stern plate, and thence through portI3I in the body and into chamber I41 and out through neck I48 andvflexible hose connection to the sewer. During thesaltfiow, there I is a port I13 in the stem plate in communication wi h the port I46 inthe ho yfil. of the multip rt valve,;so that raw water may be byepassedtothe service, system throu hpipe 4 n smuch as the port I46 in th bo y co m nica es wi h m ber I52 and correlated compartment I3I, hich, inturn, communi ates wi c p r ment 95 i t which the pipe 41 leads.v The level of the traplfi in relation to the pipe 55 n the brine tank will determine-the am unt of b ine withd wn r m the brine tank, as should be clear lir airi spection of F s.- 2 andl the r obeing sh wn in, its lowermost p siti n in Fi .2 for com l drainage of brinefmmthe'tankfiQ. Tbebr e ank should cont in only eno h brin -tor one regeneration, sothat the tank will be lighter, and,

therefore,. easierto handle. The brine. deli ered to the bed mavvof, course, be atfull concentr ti n so that it willregeneratethe material. mostefiec- .tively. While we refer this method ofin roduc ing the brine by suctionybecause of its simplicity andeconomy, it should be. clear thatthe invention is notto be regarded as limited to this specific operation, inasmuch as the idea of supplying a treating fluid of controlled concentration may be applied also to a gravity type system in which is, shownin Fig. 1.1,

In the "Rinse operat on he main flow is a lfollowsi Th raw' et r Ho n ipe M is admit ed to the chamber I35 insid the (lover 35 ini he ma n r p eviously ut in d andfiows d wn- .wa ly thro gh po t I66 in the stemplate and through communicating port I44 inthe body into chamber I54 and communicating compartment I 9, and then e to c mmunicatin compartmen 93 .and chamber 99 tor passage downwardly through the bed, past the check valves I3 I, to rinse .out the spent brine left in the, bed 45. The rinse water containing spent brine is conducted from ,the bottom of the softener upwardly through pipe 46 into chamber 88 and compartment I39 and communicatin chamber I415, andthrougl; com.-

municating ports I38 and, I55 and through pas sage, I64, and downwardly through communicate 111g p r s 53 d I3 in o th hamber I41, an thence to the sewer through the hose connection .5I. Meanwhile, raw water may be Joy-passed. to

he service sys em fr m the h mber 1 5, i t

-cover. ,38 downwardly through communicating ports I62 and I 39, chamber I52, and communicating omp me t 13!, and th nce through c mpertin nt 9b to the pipe All leadin to t e s vice Lil ' appears in Fig. 20.

system. Upon c p n of rins n ope ation, the lever 49 may be shifted back to the Service position, if it is desired tq leave the multiport valve 35 on the softener for any length of time, otherwise the multiport valve may be removed at thi point, permitting the disk valves I03 to close, so that the normal flow for softening operation previously described in connection with the description of Fig. 3 may be resumed. The removal of the multiport valve 35 from the softener is a reversal of the attaching operation with one exception. After the lever means 43 is turned to permit backing away of the body 31 of the multiport valve, so as to permit closingof the disk valves IE2, the lever 49 of the multiport valve is again placed in the Salt position, illustrated in Fig. 10, for a short period. The brine tank 54, it will be assumed, is empty and with the connections described above for this position, it is obvious that air will be sucked into, the valve 35 from the brine tank, thereby enabling any water remaining in the valve 35 to be drained oil to the sewer. In that way the valve 35 will be emptied prior to its removal. I

When using the regenerating apparatus. as described above, it is obvious that an operator :will have to be on hand to shift the lever 49 of the multiport valve from one position to another un-. less some automaticmechanism is provided, as, for example, like that shown in Figs. 18 and-l9, to turn the stern plate at the end of each phase of the regenerating cycle. The automatic me anism s s agrammat cal y in igwherein the referencgnumeral I'M designates a p pe connected to the bc yfil 0f the multiport valve 3% in communicationwith the comparts vment I32,.in which there is always waterunder pressure, so long asithe valvepfllii is operativeiy connected with the SOztfiil'lBl'; The pipe I14 @011:- s e wa er unde p es ure o h lus ei e ody 1 s cle r vappear in F r-al. Th s F/ i der l o bas br o r ip onne ti s I17, and I'EP, extending therefrom in ninety-degree (.90?) relationship to one another, as also he p p I15 l ads t a po n inth waste line 5I,.-:EZ'II l-53 (see Fig. 2) and t pipes I" a d I o t p o te nds of the cy nder 1 e tha is s tably sup o t n or rig d io w th e mul i o val e 35. The plug valve body H5 has iour internal longitudinallyextending groove I'Mq, II 16a, I'I'Ia, andI'IBa communicating with the correspondingly numbered pipes I74, I15, I17, and I18, 11):- spectively, and the plug, ,Ifiii-having a close work.-

i ing fit in said body is adapte 1 be turnedbv m ans of the stern I8 Th plug has six he i a grooves provided thereimnumbered ltz to. I81.

A uitab e s uf n oo I8 pr ents aka e new the. plug valve b y alone h s e et anda p I89 closes the, other end of said, body. As indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 18, two Ores-1e grooves I 14a and I 76!; arelon er than the ther two grooves ITIa and 128a, the purpose 01" which will so n ppear. Now. the stem EI has a rm sear I9 tb e n, si ns th a w rm I on t e h ft I 92 o a m or &3. t e nat re of wh bwill The cy ind r I 9 e d t rough on en of th cyl de f t ,mittent actua on of the Gen a e I96 that is attache to the st m l fi' of the mu i o t val e 35' to turn the stem plate 43 thereof. A clearly appears in Fi 3 an 9 the p o r d E ha a i 97 r ly ec proee a bo rieoutc end p-Qrtiontbereot id p n eing ii rm vbeld line.

in raised position by means of a leaf spring I98 attached to the bottom of the piston rod. The Geneva gear I96 has three arms of identical form, two of which have been'numbered I99 and 200. Two of these arms, the arm I99 and the third arm form a straight line, while the other arm (200) projects perpendicularly from the center of said On its lower side, each of these arms has a cam surface MI, and a finger projection 292 on the outer end of each arm is also provided with a cam surface 203 on that side toward the pin I91, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 19. In passing, it should be noted that in the use of the present automatic equipment, the valve 35 will be of substantially the same general design a the valve 35, but redesigned only to the extent of permitting ninety degree (90) movement of the stem plate from one position to another. Multiport valves answering these requirements are available, as, for example, that disclosed in the copending application of Harry Mansen, Serial No. 570,271, filed December 29, 1944. The motor I93 may be of any one of a variety of different types. It may, for example, be of the water wheel type, like the conventional water meter that rotates continuously so long as there is any flow therethrough, in which case there would necessarily have to be a suitable pipe connection (not shown) to supply water under pressure from a suitable source during the regeneration cycle. Other forms of motors suitable for the purpose are referred to below.

The operation is as follows: The operator after having connected the adapter 42' of the multip'ort valve 35 onto the fixed valve body 30, similarly as above described in regard to multiport valve 35 and adapter 42, places the multip-ort valve 35' in Wash position and starts the motor I93 so' as to rotate the plug I80 slowly. Throughout this rotation of the plug, the opposite sides of the piston I94 are alternately connected to the source of water pressure and waste through the pipes I14, I16, I11 and I18 and the grooves in the plug I80. The relative position of the grooves in the plug and speed of rotation of the plug will determine the length of time between each movement of the piston from one end to the other of the cylinder I19. Movement of the piston I94 to the left, in Fig. 18, causes the pin I91 to slide on the cam surface I, so that it is pushed down against the resistance of the spring I98 until the pin I91 reaches the left hand edge of the arm with which it is cooperating, whereupon it is released and restored by the spring to the operative position shown in the drawings. When the piston I94 moves to the right, the pin I91 pushes whichever arm it is cooperating with, as, for example, the arm I99, in thesame direction, thereby causing the gear I96 to turn through ninety degrees (90). Assuming that the arm I99 is the last of the three arms forming a ninety degree (90) angle with respect to the arm last operated, it will be obvious that in the next position of the Geneva gear I99 there will be no arm for the pin I91 to engage, and the multiport valve will accordingly be left in its Service position, even though the piston I94 continues its back and forth movements until the operator stops the motor I93. ator may attach the automatically operable multiport valve to the softener and move the stem plate to the backwash position and leave the softener, with every assurance that the mechanism will attend to the complete regeneration" It is clear, therefore, that the opercycle automatically, moving the valve from Wash position to Salt position and then from Salt position to Rinse position, and finally from Rinse position back to Service position. I

The automatic operation of the valve 35 can be accomplished in several other ways as, "for example, by the use of a time clock, or by synchronous electric motor, or by a spring actuated motor having release means arranged to operate the stem I8I of the plug valve or the stem I56 of the multiport valve directly. It should also be clear that the present invention is not limited to any particular type of softener or regeneration'cycle, because with proper changes of the ports and passages in the valve 35 or 35, the invention may be applied to various water softeners and other fluid treating apparatus. Furthermore, while the automatic operation has been described as attending'to the complete re' generation cycle, it should be clear that, if de sired, the automatic mechanism may be employed only to attend to the automatic shifting of the valve from Rinse to Service position, if the operator so desires.

Another feasible method of operation, which is partly automatic, is what is called internal salting. The operator shifts the valve 3501 35 to Wash and at the end of this period to a neutral position, in which no water is admitted to the softener tank, the tank at this time being open to waste so as to insure at least a partial lowering of the water level therein, both to relieve pressure in the tank and make room for the salt. Then a cover is removed from a tank opening, and a predetermined quantity of salt is poured onto the top of the bed and the cover is replaced. The operator then shifts the valve to Salt position and may then leave. The automatic means thereaftertakes care of the shifting of the valve 35 or 35' to Rinse and back to Service.

The entirely automatic operation of the mechanism shown in Figs. 18 to 20 may be used o best advantage in connection with softener installations of the kind where there are a number of similar softeners in various residences and a service organization which has agreed to take care of the regeneration of these softeners at stipulated intervals. The softeners and the beds of zeolite material therein are so proportioned as to call for regeneration of a number of softeners in a certain neighborhood at about the same time, say, for instance, once a month. When regeneration of such a group of softeners is due, the agency loads, say six, regeneration units on a truck and the truck is dispatched to the neighborhood where the regenerations are to be taken care of. The operator takes one of these units into the first home and attaches the same to the softener in the manner above described, the brine tank in the unit being filled with the proper amount of brine. Having started the softener in its regeneration, the operator leaves and takes another unit into the next home, where a second softener requires regeneration, and attaches the unit to that softener, and so forth until all six units have been attached to softeners and the regeneration of the softeners has been started. By the time the sixth unit has been connected up with its softener and the regeneration started, the operator can return to the first home and disconnect the regeneration unit, because by that time the regeneration cycle will have been completed for that softener. In like manner, by the time he has removed the regeneration unit from the softener there, the regeneration of that softener having also been completed in the meantime, and so forth to the sixth regeneration unit. The number of regeneration units that will be taken on the truck at one time will, of course, depend upon the estimated length of time consumed in the regeneration cycle and the time required to connect and disconnect the regeneration units.

It is believed the foregoing description conveysa good understanding of all of the objects and advantages of our invention. The appended claims have been drawn with a view to covering all legitimate modifications and adaptations.

We claim:

1. Means for regenerating the treatment material in a fluid treatment tank having means for supplying raw Water under pressure to the tank and delivering treated water from the tank, said regenerating means comprising a valve housing mounted on the fluid treatment tank and having inlet and outlet compartments in communication respectively, with said raw water supply and treated water delivery means, said valve housing having openings communicating with said compartments, a portable second valve housing having a bodyportion adapted to be detachably connected in fluid-tight relationship to said first valve housing in fluid flow communication through the last mentioned openings with said compartments, means for securing the second valve housing in assembled relation to said first valve housing, a portable auxiliary fluid treatment tank, a conduit extending therefrom to said second' valve housing to conduct" fluid from one tank to the other, and a second conduit extending from said second valve housing to conduct fluid therefrom to waste, and shiftable valve means in said second housing which in different positions of adjustment directs fluid indifferent circuits through said first tank, some of which circuitsinclu'de' flow through said last named conduits between said tanks and from said first tank to waste;

2. The regenerating means set forth in claim 1 including a mechanism for intermittently" automatically' operating said shiftable valve means from one position to another, whereby to prede termine the duration" of the different phases of regeneration";

3; The regenerating means set forth in cla'inilf including-a drain trapdn the second conduit and means for adjustably fixing the elevation of said trap relative to the two tanks;

4; The regenerating means set forth in claim 1', including valvemeans normally closingthe open in s in the first valve housing, and means for open ing saidvalve means-when thetwo valvehousings are in assembled relationship, wherebyto place the two valve housings in open communication 5. Theregenerating means-setforth in claim 1' including an adapter fitting applicable to said first valve'housing, said adapter having said second' valve" housing reei-proc'able therein, valves norman closing the openings m the first valve housing push rods for opening said valves ei'r'-" tending from said second valve housing", and manually operable means for reciprocating said second valve housing relative to said adap'ten- 6.-Means for regenerating a pluralityof sub stantially alikewatersofteners each equipped with -raw water inlet pipe and soft water-outlet pipe connections" but devoid of valve means for controlling-"direction of flow through the 'softener;

m said means. comprising a portable regenerating apparatus usable for regeneration of each softener and interchangeably for regeneration of any one of said plurality of softeners, the same including a brine receptacle, a single portable valve nection between the regenerating apparatus and the selected one of said softeners and its raw water inlet and" soft water outlet pipes through, the valve means for conducting brine from said brine receptacle through the valve means to said softener and for conducting Wash water, spent brine and rinse; Water from said softener through the valve means to waste, said valve means! being operable to different positions: to establish different fluid circuits through said softener for the different, phases of regeneration;

7. The regenerating means set forth in claim 6 including an auxiliary adapter fitting on said softener connected to said inlet and outlet pipes through which communication is establis'hedfor said pipes with the? upper and lower ends of said softener for normal flow of water in one direction through the softenerfor'sofitening operation, said fitting having a seat upon which the body portion of said single portable: valve means is' adapted to be detachably mounted in fluid-tight relationship to provide the other circuits of fluid flow through sa'id softener required in regeneration.

8.. The regeneratingm'eans set forth in claim 6 including a drain trap? in the waste conduit adjustable vertically relative to" said brine r'eceptacle for the" purpose described;

9; The' regenerating means setforth in claim 6' including amechan-isnr for intermittently automa'tically operating said: portable valve means from one position to'another whereby to' predetermine the duration of the different phasesof regeneration.

10-. The regenerating means set forthin: claim dincludirlg a mechanism for intermittently autoinatically operating said portable valve means from one position to another whereby to pre determine the duration of the different phasesof regeneration,= said mechanismcomprising an indexing member attached to andarranged to turn said valve means and having three arms spaced equarangularities; and a reciprdcable member movable through a predetermined lineal path tooperate one after another of said arms body having a plurality of compartments" with which fluid conduits are adapted to communicate, thecompartments being in two planes sep arated by a partition wall" having openings therein normally affording communication" be= tween the compartments, valves normally springpressed to close: openings-in arroutsid'e 'wal1 ofi said compartments; valve seats on said partition wall around certain of the openi s therein,

other valves arranged to engage said seats. to close said openings and connected to move with certain of said first'valves, to be closed in the opening of said first valves, and vice versa, the other valve comprising a body having compartments therein adapted to communicate with certain compartments in said first valve body, means projecting from said second valve body to unseat said spring closed valves and seat the other valves when the second valve body is mounted in cooperative relationship to the first valvebody, means for detachably fastening said valve bodies in cooperative relationship, a seat portion on said second valve body having ports in communication with said compartments, a rotary stem plate cooperating with said seat portion having ports and passages therein for establishing different 'fluid circuits through said cooperating valve bodies in different positions of rotation of said plate, and means for turning said plate.

12. The combination set forth in claim 11 including an adapter fitting for said second valve body constructed for fluid tight connection with said first valve body and having said second valve body reciprocable therein, said second valve body having projecting tubular portions communicating with the compartments therein and arranged to register with and make fluid tight connection with the first valve body on the outside wall thereof at the openings when said second valve body is moved in the adapter into cooperative relationship with said second valve body, and means for so moving said second valve body. Y

13. In a two-valve combination, wherein one valve establishes a predetermined flow circuit therethrough until connection of the second valve therewith, which thereupon permits different flow circuits to be established through the valves in different operative positions of the second valve, the two valves each comprising a body having ports in an outside wall for communication with corresponding ports in the other valve body, valves springepressed to closed L regenerating flow through the softener but in-' said valves when the valve bodies are J'uxtaposed, still other valves in the first valvebody so connected with the first valvesas to be seated in the unseating of the first valves to further alter the flow through said first valve body,

and movable valve operating means on the second valve body operable to select different flow circuits. V

'14. In the art of water softening, means for regenerating a plurality of softeners, each devoid of control valve means required for regeneration flow therethrough, but including raw water inlet and soft water outlet pipe connections, said means comprising a singleportable multiport valve detachably connectible between the inlet and outlet pipe connections of any one of said softeners to provide for regeneration circuits therethrough, and a portable regenerating apparatus permanently connected with the valve by flexible conduits.

15. In the art of water-softening means for regenerating a plurality of softeners, each devoid of control valve means required for regeneration fiow therethrough but including raw water inlet and soft water outlet pipe connections, said means comprising a single portable multiport valve detachably connectible between theinlet and outlet pipe connections .of any one,

eluding raw water inlet and soft water outlet pipe connections, said device comprising a portable regenerating unit usable selectively with' any one of said softeners and comprising a brine tank and a plural position valve unit, the brine port of which is connected with said brine tank by a flexible connection, said valve unit having the body thereof formed for detachable mounting on the softener on the same place where the cover plate fits in communication with the softener and said inlet and outlet pipe connec-' tions.

17. A device as set forth in claim 16, wherein the regenerating unit further includes a shelf for detachably supporting said valve unit in fixed relation to the brine tank when not in use, said shelf having a seat portion on which the bottom of said unit, which is adapted to connect to the softener, is adapted to be seated to protect it from contamination between uses of the valve unit. 7

18. A device as set forth in claim 16, wherein the regenerating unit further comprises a drain trap, means for supporting said trap in vertically adjusted relation to said brine tank, and flexible conduit means, one extending from the inlet of said drain trap'to the drain port of said valve unit and the other extending from the outletof said drain trap and to waste.

19. A portable regeneration unit for fluid treating apparatus, comprising a portable tank for regeneration fluid, a multiport valve, means for' detachably connecting said multiport valve to a receptacle for material to be regenerated in fiuidtight relationship with said receptacle and with" a raw water pipe and a treated water pipe that are connected therewith, means for establishing different flow paths through said valve between said pipes and said receptacle and tank, means including check valves for sealing said receptacle but adapted to be opened automatically by con nection of the multiport valve with the recep- I tacle for opening connections between said valve and the interior of the receptacle and also estab lishing communications with the pipes connected j;

thereto, a drain port in said valve, a flexible conduit extending from the drain port of said valve, and another flexible conduit connecting; said tank with another port in said multiport a e 29. In a brine tank structure for use in combinationwith a water softener, the combination of a vertically elongated brine receptacle, a brine outlet pipe extending downwardly-in said receptacle from the top to a point near the bottom thereof and adapted to have connection with a, brine delivery conduitleading to the softener to be regenerateda drain trap, and a support therefor in rigid relation to said brine receptacle along which the trap is vertically adjustable with reference to the aforesaid brine outlet pipe, said; r p b ing adapted .to have connection. with a 1 drain conduit extending from the softener to be regenerated. y

l 21. A water treating apparatus comprisingJn combinatioma tank adapted to oe connected in a water supply line for the flow of raw/water therethrough and adapted to contain water treating material, a raw water inlet pipe and a treated water outlet pipe connected to said tank and a control valve structure comprising a base structure permanently connected to said tank and l pipes normally to conduct raw water into the tank for passage through the treating material therein and out of the tank to a service system, and a superstructure demountably attached to the base structure in fluid flow communication therewith and with said pipesand adapted to connected with other conduits for conducting brine to the tank and conducting waste water and spent brine from the tank, said superstructure including shiftable valve means for establishing in its different positions difierent flow circuits through said tank, pipes, and conduits, as required for regeneration of the treating ma.- te'rial'in the tank. V

22. A water treating apparatus as set forth in claim 21, including a cover-plate to serve as a closure-for the base structure of the control valve structure when the superstructureis removed.

23. A water treating apparatus comprising, in combination, a tank adapted to be connected in a water supply line for the flow of raw water therethrough and adapted to contain water treating material, a raw water inlet pipe and a treated water outlet pipe connected to said tank, and

a control valve structure comprising a base structure permanently connected to said tank and pipes normally to conduct raw water into the tank for passage through the treating material therein and out of the tank to a service system, check valves sealing openings provided in said base structure but adapted to be opened from the outside of said base structure, and a superstructure demountably attached to the base structure and including means for opening said check valves, whereby to place the superstructure in fluid flow communication with the base structure and with said pipes, said superstructure being adapted to be connected with other conduits for conducting brine to the tank and conducting waste water and spent brine from the tank, said superstructure including shiftable valve means for establishing in its different positions different flow circuit through said tank, pipes, and conduits, as required for regeneration of the treating material in the tank.

24. A water treating apparatus as set forth in claim 23, including a cover plate adapted to serve as a closure for the base structure of the control valve structure and to cover the openings that are closed by the check valves when the superstructure is removed.

25. In a water treating apparatus comprising a closed treating tank adapted to be connected in a water supply line for the flow of raw water therethrough and adapted to contain water treating material adapted to be regenerated by passage of brine through it, and an open brine tank adapted to contain brine suitable for the regeneration of said water treating material, the improvement which consists in the provision of a brine delivery conduit connecting the upper portion of said treating tank with the lower portion of said brine tank, whereby brine is adapted to be transferred from the brine tank to the treating tank by suction created in the 22v treating. tank when the water with which the same is adapted to be filled under service;c0nditions is drained, and a drain conduit come municating with the lower portion of saidtreat ing tank and having an outlet that vertically. adjustable with reference to the brine tank to predetermine by the elevation thereof below the level of brine therein the amount of brine to be withdrawn therefrom.

26. A portable regeneration unit as setfortlr in claim 19, including a drain trap connected with the flexible conduit that extends from the drain port in said valve, said drain trap being ad justable vertically relative to said portable tank.

27. A portable regeneration unit as set forth in claim 19, including a vertical support in rigid relation to said portable tank, and a drain trap connected with the flexible conduit that extends from the drain port in said valve, said trap have ing means for supporting the same on said ver* tical support at any one of a numberof different elevations with reference to said portable tank to predetermine by the elevation thereof below the level of the regeneration fluid in said tank the amount of such fluid to be withdrawn theme from and transferred 'to the receptacle containing the material to be thereby regenerated.

28. A portable regeneration unit as set forth in claim 19, including a vertical support in rigid relation to said portable tank, a drain trapconnected with the flexible conduit that extends from the drain port in said valve, said trap having means for supporting the same on said vertical support at any one of a number of different elevations with reference to said portable tank to predetermine by the elevation thereof below the level of the regeneration fluid in said tank the amount of such fluid to be withdrawn therefrom and transferred to the receptacle containing the material to be thereby regenerated, and another flexible conduit connected with the drain trap for conducting water therefrom by gravity to a suitable drain receptacle.

29. In a water treating apparatus comprising a closed treating tank adapted to be connected in a water supply line for the flow of raw water therethrough and adapted to contain. water treating material adapted to be regenerated by passage of brine through it, and an open brine tank adapted to contain brine suitable for the regeneration of said water treating material, the improvement which consists in the provision of a brine delivery conduit connecting the upper portion of said treating tank with the lower portion of said brine tank, whereby brine is adapted to be transferred from the brine tank to the treating tank by suction created in the treating tank when the water with which the same is adapted to be filled under service conditions is drained, a drain conduit communicating with the lower portion of said treating tank, a drain trap connected with said drain conduit and disposable selectively at any one of a number of different elevations between the top and bottom of said brine tank, whereby to predetermine by the elevation thereof below the level of brine in said brine tank the amount of brine to be withdrawn therefrom, and another conduit connected with the trap for conducting water therefrom by gravity to a suitable drain receptacle.

30. In a water treating apparatus comprising a closed treating tank adapted to be connected in a water supply line for the flow of raw water therethrough and adapted to contain water treating material adapted to be regenerated by passage of brin-thioiigh'it, and an open brine tank adapted to contain brine. suitable for the regeneration of said water treating material, the improvement which consists in the provision of amine delivery conduit connecting the upper portion of said treating tank with the lower portion of said brine tank, whereby brine is adapted to :be transferred from the brine tank to. the treating tank by suction created in the treating tankwhen the water withwhich the. same is adapted to be filled under service conditions is. drained, a drain conduit communicating. with the lower portion of said treating tank, a vertical support in rigid relation to one of said tanks, a drain trap connected with said drain conduit and vertically slidably adjustable on said sup port and fixableat any one of a numberrof different elevations thereon between the top .and bottom of said brine tank, whereby to predeter-. mine by the elevation thereofbelow the. level of brine in said. brine tank the amount of .brine to be withdrawn from saidtank, and. another conduit connected with the trap for conducting water therefrom byv gravity. toasuitable grain receptacle.

, HARRY MANSEN.

' REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

V CHESTER T. McdfLLQ;

Number Number 24 UNITED STATES PATENTS Name -Date Harris Feb. 20, 1894 Morton Nov. 27, 1906 Marvin May 12, 1908 Uecke V Feb. 5,1913 7 Duden Dec. 21, 1926 Iannehill May 14, 1929 Marsh et al. June 25,19 9 Hodkinson June 17, 1930 Hodkinson June 17, 1930 Lindsay Jan. 20, 1931 Johnson June 6, 1933 Nylander et al. Sept. 12, 1933 Pick Nov. 14, 1933 Lind July 13, 1937 Pick Feb. 14, 1939 Daniels Mar. 18, 1941 Eickmeyer et al June 17, 1941' Culligan Aug. 12, 1941 Ralston Apr. 7, 1942 Zimmerman Jan. 19, 1943 Kaysen, Jr Sept. 14, 1943 Ralston Feb. 27, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Italy June 1, 1937 

